Anaheim’s new law mandating hotels provide workers who enter guest rooms with panic buttons went into effect on Jan. 1, modeled after similar provisions from a broader hotel minimum wage initiative that voters rejected in October.
The law requires workers such as housekeepers or room service to be supplied with personal security devices. When workers experience violent or threatening behavior, they can activate the device to signal their location to hotel management or security.
Guests checking into hotels in Anaheim must be notified of the new law. Signs in rooms will say “Anaheim law protects hotel workers from threatening behavior.”
The City Council unanimously adopted the ordinance last summer and it is similar to safety provisions that were a part of Measure A, the $25 minimum wage initiative for hotel and event center workers that Unite Here Local 11 backed. A key difference between the two is Measure A mandated hotels have 24/7 security guards.
The council’s version, which Councilmember Natalie Rubalcava pushed for, requires either a manager or security guard to be notified if the panic button is activated. Hotels are required to provide training on how to use the security devices and when activated it signals an employee’s location.
City spokesperson Mike Lyster called the ordinance the most significant new local regulation for hotels and motels in years. The city has been notifying its 150 hotels and motels of the new law and explaining what they need to do to be in compliance.
While the city can’t specify specific devices to buy, Lyster said there are typically two types of security devices: handheld alarms and others that use smartphones.
Workers are able to sue hotels that aren’t in compliance with the law and a court would be able to impose damages up to $100 a person per day.
Lyster said the focus of the city right now isn’t enforcing penalties, but trying to ensure compliance.
“Several hotels and motels, particularly around the theme parks and convention center, have already adopted security devices for those working in rooms and bathrooms by themselves,” Lyster said. “For others working to comply with the new rules, we are answering phone calls and visiting motels.”
So far, 17 hotels and motels have applied for an extension with the city to get more time to procure devices and train employees. The city has granted some of those extensions, which range from one month to three.
Nathan Fitzgerald, general manager at The Anaheim Hotel, said in an email that the hotel has had the panic buttons for some time, and they post the required notices on the backs of room doors and have guests acknowledge the law when signing terms and conditions at check-in.
Hotels are required to give three hours of paid time to report incidents to the police and provide “reasonable accommodations” to workers who experienced threatening or violent situations, such as new work hours or reassignment.
Short-term rentals are excluded from the law, as well as corporate housing, boarding houses and single-room occupancy buildings.
